In a 2010 NY Magazine article, Jon Stewart describes his media team as "Soil enrichers. Maybe we can add a little fertilizer to the soil so that real people can come along and grow things.” What does Stewart mean, and how persuaded are you by the metaphor? The NY Magazine article is "America is a Joke"
The metaphor described by John Stewart in the NY Magazine article is in reference to the argument of whether or not comedy news satire, such as The Daily Show, is a credible news source for viewers. In this article, titled “America is a Joke”, Jon Stewart defends his role as a public figure, and not as a news anchor who's job is to inform the viewers of the important headlines that are currently facing the world. Stewart's job, as he explains it, is to give the viewers a different side of the news that they cannot get by watching NBC or FOX news programs. His goal as a public figure is to add a certain level of opinion to the news, an opinion which many people share, but may be too afraid to say in public. One of Stewart's most favorable traits is his “willingness to call bullshit to the face of the bullshitters”. He describes his role for the American people by calling his staff “soil enrichers”, who add fertilizer to the soil to inspire things to grow. This metaphor is effective in establishing the fact that The Daily Show is not the soil, the seed, or the grass that grows. It is only the fertilizer that helps the already growing grass keep growing, or perhaps more often, help the grass to grow in unfavorable conditions. This metaphor can be almost directly seen in every episode of the Daily Show, as John Stewart and his staff literally call out the inconsistencies in government and politics, giving a sense of power to the viewership, even if that power is in the form of political mockery.
Essay 2
Identify ways that corporations are a sustainability problem, referencing at least four examples from films you watched this semester.
Many corporations either create or exacerbate a multitude of sustainability problems on many different levels. This is most directly a result of the main goal desired by most big corporations throughout the world, to make the most annual profit at the least expense. Many of the film's that I watched this semester have described in great detail how this type of greed has driven large corporations to be careless in the way they treat the environment, their livestock, their workers, as well as the American people who consume their products. For example, the documentary 'Food Inc.' reveals the truth behind the industrial food system in America by allowing viewers to understand where their food comes from. The film interviews chicken coop owners who work for large corporations such as Tyson, and are required to facilitate extensive amounts of chickens in less than sanitary conditions, in order to meet the production quota of the company, who only cares about the profit. Another example was portrayed in the film 'A Patent for a Pig', which described Monsanto's quest to patent specific pig genes that they have decoded. This gene is responsible for rapid growth of pigs and if patented, pig breeding would be completely controlled by this company, which would put may farmers out of business. Also, the film brings attention to the fact that Monsanto requires farmers to feed their livestock specific GMO feed developed by Monsanto, which has been linked to infertility problems among the livestock. The film that most specifically identified how corporations are a sustainability problem was 'The Spill', which describes how the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could have been prevented. The film provides evidence that efforts to upgrade operations and increase safety after previous BP accidents such as the Texas City BP oil refinery explosion, the Prudhoe Bay oil spill, and the toppling of the Thunderhorse oil platform, were not met due to expense cutting. This shows that this catastrophic environmental disaster was not caused by accident or mistake, but by the carelessness and greed of the BP corporation. In response to the spill, Tony Hayward who is the CEO of BP, was quoted stating that, “The Gulf of Mexico is a very big ocean, and the spill is very tiny in comparison”.
Essay 3
Design a film intended to educate a particular audience about a sustainability problem. Describe the audience you intend to reach, and its characteristics (biases, ignorance, expertise, etc); the aim of the film; its narrative structure and its content.
I would like to design a film that is intended to educate architecture students of their responsibilities as future designers, and to take into consideration both the short and long term impacts that architecture can have on the environment. The film would be shown to upper class architecture students, preferably students who already have a foundation in architectural design. At this stage in architectural education, students are more likely to understand the environmental impact of various design aspects in a project, such as choice of material, geographical and site considerations, as well as sustainable building systems. The aim of the film, would begin by broadening the viewer's understanding of the issue of sustainability as a whole, similar to the aims of this class. After many of the most pressing environmental issues are discussed, the film would transfer momentum towards the responsibilities that architects and designers have within the built environment, and how every decision made throughout the design and construction phase of a project, and long term environmental effects such as material degradation, utility waste and building system energy consumption. With these basic design aspects discussed, the film would then develop strategies for architects and designers to think sustainably first when beginning the design phase of a project. This would include listing types of materials that could be used for different aspects of the design, such as reclaimed wood for use on a facade detail, or more sustainable types of insulation and concrete. The film would then discuss more environmentally sustainable building systems that could be employed into a design, such as efficient HVAC systems, solar panels and shingles, wind turbines, and solar water heating. One key approach of the film would be to discuss these sustainable building solutions on a variety of scales, from high-rise buildings to single family homes, in an effort to reach all types architects and designers, so that they all will understand their role in the future of the built environment.
Essay 4
Describe how science can be a sustainability problem, referencing at least four examples from films you watched this semester.
Advancements in science and technology over the recent century have resulted in a variety of sustainability problems that effect different aspects of the environment. On the one hand, these advancements have created the ability do things that we have never been able to do before, for example within the agriculture industry, advancements in farming machinery and produce production have greatly increased the amount of food that is available world-wide. However, these advancements have also in some cases come at the cost of sanitary and health issues that are often overlooked. The film 'Food Inc.' documented how large meat corporations use new technology to increase the efficiency of slaughtering pigs, cows and chickens for consumption. This increased efficiency made it necessary to increase the amount of animals that are being slaughtered, therefore animal farming has become an important part of the industry, which often includes poor and unsanitary living conditions for livestock, bringing disease and infection into the food that is being consumed by people. Hormone advancements are also discussed in the film, which for example, allows chickens to grow larger breast meat. Genetically modified organisms are also an advancement in science that allows certain crops and animals to become resistant to pesticides or disease. While this may mean more profit for big businesses, GMO's have been linked to reproductive abnormalities in certain animals, as well as the fact that the long term effects of GMO's are not known. The film 'Patent for a Pig' also shows how the advancements in science can be controversial when it comes to the ability to patent genes. In this film, Monsanto attempts to patent a specific pig gene that their researchers have decoded, which is responsible for the rapid growth of pigs. Above the ethical issues surrounding this scientific advancement, Monsanto would have the ability to control the pig breeding industry, and potentially put smaller farmers out of business.
Essay 5
5) Discuss how Internet communication and other forms of new media are sustainability problems, as well as a means to sustainability solutions.
In the last decade, the advancement in communication technology has made a great leap into the everyday life of millions of people around the world. People who own the newest technology are able to call, text, or email anybody anything they want in the blink of an eye from just about any habitable place on the planet. We now live in the 'Age of Information', where any question can be answered by using some form of technology, whether it be a cellphone, a laptop, or an iPod. Many researchers believe that the next generation will be much smarter than the previous, being that they have an infinite amount of information available whenever it is needed. While there are many benefits of these technological advancements, it will eventually cause a shift in the social realm of how people communicate on a day to day basis. Some of this change has already been seen around the world with the introduction of email and video conferencing that is readily available today, and not possible just fifteen years ago. This change in communication will undoubtedly cause a negative shift in environmental awareness, since social interaction between people will continue to decrease. Texting has already taken the place of a phone call, which many years ago took the place of physical communication. Without significant social interaction, people will less likely make an effort to live more sustainable lives. However, people who use the internet and other forms of new media are often subjected to sustainable solutions, such as ways of recycling or information on relief efforts to help other countries develop sustainable practices. Therefore, the advances in communication may provide people with a better understanding of sustainable solutions, however it may also decrease social interaction an environmental awareness.
Essay 6
Identify 10 developments in education, law, media etc that would help mobilize greater public awareness of and commitment to environmental sustainability.
There have been various developments in these areas and many other fields that increase public awareness and commitment to environmental sustainability. Developments of particular pro-active groups such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented many laws involving environmental sustainability such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act. More specifically, the Law Officers Department (LOD) has a Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP) that plans to raise awareness of sustainable development issues. Some of their specific actions include minimizing waste by reducing and reusing, maximizing recycling opportunities, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring that buildings are refurbished and operated to improve their environmental performance. There have been significant developments in law made towards reaching the same goal, for example the Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development (FIELD) that works to implement Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) that have transformed how countries all over the world deal with environmental issues. Combining education and law elements, many law schools have created coursed that focus on research, education, and participation in efforts to build a strong legal environmental framework, such as the Sustainable Development Institute of the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. These programs will help to make lawyers capable of helping nations, regions and municipalities reach sustainable goals and principles. A related, technological advancements are smart phone applications like the LLM environmental application for environmental lawyers and activists! In fact, not just law schools, but many universities have created courses in this discipline like our Sustainability Problems course which help create awareness on this issue at a very influential age. There have even been proposals around the world encouraging early childhood education that focuses on sustainability in a constructive, positive and interesting way, like UNESCO's proposal in Paris. UNESCO had also implemented a plan that seeks to contribute to media awareness and understanding of sustainability as outlined by the Agenda 21 Plan of Action for all nations endorsed at the 1992 Earth Summit, for example. Another media element helping to increase public awareness is the Trends in Sustainability Project helps track world news and international media coverage of development and sustainability issues in order to possibly help improve how this information is being received to the public. Additionally, there are many online blogs that many people read online instead of reading the paper or even watching the news on television. An example of a trending topic is “Mass Media and Sustainable Development” in which people from all over the world give their opinions and engage in conversation about environmental degradation as a basis of poor communications, which is another example of how a technological advancement has be able to increase awareness about environmental sustainability.
Essay 7
Identify key characteristics of the best environmental media (recognizing that few films or other media are likely to have more than a few of these characteristics). Reference examples from films we’ve seen this semester.
One of the key characteristics of the best environmental media is making it clear to the viewer what they can do to help stop the problem highlighted in the film and how they can get involved. “Food Inc.” was a very compelling film that discussed the truth of the industrial food system in animal, so after the viewer was already moved by the strong content of the film, they were told they could help stop these corporations by buying their food from local farmers. They also emphasized cooking family meals at home and choosing healthier foods. This type of message helped the viewer understand that simple, easy choices can really make a difference. “The Fluoride Deception” also suggested a corrective action, but on a wider, legal scale. The film proposed that people need to come together and take legal action if necessary against the government because the fluoride that has been dumped in our water system has been linked to disease. Another key characteristic of the best environmental media is the amount of scientific facts and statistics that are used to support the main argument of each film or documentary instead of just using opinions. Because the viewers are presented with true facts, this helps them understand and sympathize with the particular viewpoint instead of being skeptical. An example of a film with many scientific facts was “Global Dimming” which was a documentary that exposed the truths of how pollution causes the global dimming phenomenon and how this problem is escalating the larger issue of global warming. Although not a documentary, the Hollywood produced film “Erin Brockovich” also provided an ample amount of scientific proof of the main argument of the film about how a local power plant's waste was linked to cancer and disease in the surrounding town.
Essay 8
Scientific research demonstrating a link between toxic chemicals and skewed sexual development has developed considerably in recent years. Describe how this could be effectively communicated. What audience would you target? What media form (film, website, radio show) you would use? What research studies would you highlight (see news coverage of some of this research below)? How would you represent the state of the science? What kind of environmental and scientific literacy would you aim to cultivate? What “go fix it” strategies would you suggest?
It is important to communicate the recent scientific evidence that toxic chemicals have been linked to skewed sexual development because it affects every single person that will be reproducing and contributing to the human race. Therefore, the target audience would have to be everyone mature enough to understand this research and its effects on future generations. The media form that would probably be most effective as public service announcements (PSAs) on television and on a wide variety of channels, so the message reaches every viewing audience. The research studies that I would highlight are from the Pittsburgh City Paper, Risk Assessment: Science has a hard time gauging the danger posed by carcinogen. I would use research information from this paper because it is posed in simple terms from peer reviewed journal sources that everyone, even those without a scientific background would understand. I would represent the state of the science like it is represented in the paper. There are clear links between “endocrine disruptors” and abnormal sexual characteristic developments in wild animals, and these factors are present in the form of Bisphenol A (BPA) for example, which is found in the urine of 90% of Americans. Therefore, although we may not see the immediate effects on the sexual development in humans due to ingestion of these chemicals, we need to be cautious. According to this article, “under federal law, a chemical must be proved harmful to humans before it can be regulated. And demonstrating danger in humans is difficult”. I would suggest that people take a stand against the agencies responsible for exposing them to these harmful chemicals, because if not, the human race may eventually be depleted if we eventually become totally unable to reproduce. If scientists performing this research can further validate their argument, then they should make it their prerogative to continuously educate the public.
Essay 9 Assess how each of these videos about problems with our food system would likely impact viewers. What message is delivered by each film? What does each accomplish, and not? Which audiences would be most responsive?
The film “Transport: Food miles” is applicable to consumers of all ages and focuses on the main idea that our food travels an average distance of 1,500 miles before it ends up on our plates. This is extremely unsustainable because we are relying on fossil fuels to transport the food, which is polluting the environment, and we are also putting money into the pockets of big corporations. The film strongly encourages people to buy their food locally and especially their meat from free-range farms. This way, we can support local farmers and therefore invest money back into our own communities, and eliminate animal cruelty. The Pig Picture focuses on the problem of the pig factory farming by comparing footage of breeding and behavior of pigs inside of these factories and in nature. The factories lock up impregnated sows in extremely small, filthy cages and their behavior significantly changed as they become inactive, unresponsive, and show repetitive patterns of movement. When the newborn pigs are born, they have limited contact with the mother and are shortly put in cages to be grown and eventually used for reproduction. The film describes how antibiotics are feed to the animals so they are able to survive in these conditions, however this process causes antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria and produces drug residues in the meat. The effects of the surrounding areas were also discussed. For example, since the pig manure is poorly regulated, chemical runoff produces nitrogen in the water supply. The film ended with a message encouraging the public to reduce the demand for pigs to reduce suffering of animals and destruction of the environment by factories. The content presented may be most appealing to more mature audiences. The last clip, The Meatrix was a short, animated clip that emphasized that the pig farm was just a fantasy and that pigs, milk, and meat really comes from factories. It explains that agriculture corporations modified farming to maximize profits and it listed the major problems of factory farming, animal cruelty and massive pollution. The clip ended with a warning that the public should not support these factories and website link was provided in case the viewer was interested on how to get involved. Although the clip may have not talked about sustainability problems, it may be an effective way to get a younger audience involved in the stance against factory farming.
Essay 10
Write a 400-word biosketch that describes where you will be and what you will have accomplished twenty years from now. The biosketch should be narrative rather than resume style. Include basic biographical and educational information, the expertise you have built and have become known for, and a brief description of important projects you have been a part of over this period of time.
Andrew Pennacchia, R.A. is a registered Architect for the State of New York. After completing his bachelor of architecture degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May of 2013, he worked as an architectural intern in a number of various successful architecture firms in Manhattan. After gaining the necessary three years of experience, Andrew studied and passed the New York Architecture Registration Board, and became a licensed architect, which is something that he had worked very hard to achieve. After becoming licensed, Andrew remained working in Manhattan for five more years, before he set out on his own and opened a small design firm on the east end of Long Island. At this firm, Andrew specialized in high-end residential housing. His work has become well known in the north east, as his practice is one of the first to offer clients a complete sustainable solution for living. Andrew specializes in variations of 'off the grid' homes, and is able to meet the living standards and desires of his clients. Andrew believes that he has the ability to make a change in the built environment by designing homes that have a small carbon footprint, are able to produce their own energy, and also manage waste in an environmentally friendly way. His firm also provides monetary assistance in the form of loans for clients who are unable to afford the high initial cost of self sufficient building systems. For his work, he has won several design awards over the past decade, ranging from local to national acknowledgments. Andrew also developed a way to help educate the next generation of architects by creating a student based design competition. The competition is offered for students in architecture schools around the world, and is aimed at helping students develop a solid knowledge base of sustainable design, including new and cutting edge building materials, and how to use these materials to enhance the future of architecture for the preservation of the environment.
Final Exam
Essay 1
In a 2010 NY Magazine article, Jon Stewart describes his media team as "Soil enrichers. Maybe we can add a little fertilizer to the soil so that real people can come along and grow things.” What does Stewart mean, and how persuaded are you by the metaphor? The NY Magazine article is "America is a Joke"
The metaphor described by John Stewart in the NY Magazine article is in reference to the argument of whether or not comedy news satire, such as The Daily Show, is a credible news source for viewers. In this article, titled “America is a Joke”, Jon Stewart defends his role as a public figure, and not as a news anchor who's job is to inform the viewers of the important headlines that are currently facing the world. Stewart's job, as he explains it, is to give the viewers a different side of the news that they cannot get by watching NBC or FOX news programs. His goal as a public figure is to add a certain level of opinion to the news, an opinion which many people share, but may be too afraid to say in public. One of Stewart's most favorable traits is his “willingness to call bullshit to the face of the bullshitters”. He describes his role for the American people by calling his staff “soil enrichers”, who add fertilizer to the soil to inspire things to grow. This metaphor is effective in establishing the fact that The Daily Show is not the soil, the seed, or the grass that grows. It is only the fertilizer that helps the already growing grass keep growing, or perhaps more often, help the grass to grow in unfavorable conditions. This metaphor can be almost directly seen in every episode of the Daily Show, as John Stewart and his staff literally call out the inconsistencies in government and politics, giving a sense of power to the viewership, even if that power is in the form of political mockery.
Essay 2
Identify ways that corporations are a sustainability problem, referencing at least four examples from films you watched this semester.
Many corporations either create or exacerbate a multitude of sustainability problems on many different levels. This is most directly a result of the main goal desired by most big corporations throughout the world, to make the most annual profit at the least expense. Many of the film's that I watched this semester have described in great detail how this type of greed has driven large corporations to be careless in the way they treat the environment, their livestock, their workers, as well as the American people who consume their products. For example, the documentary 'Food Inc.' reveals the truth behind the industrial food system in America by allowing viewers to understand where their food comes from. The film interviews chicken coop owners who work for large corporations such as Tyson, and are required to facilitate extensive amounts of chickens in less than sanitary conditions, in order to meet the production quota of the company, who only cares about the profit. Another example was portrayed in the film 'A Patent for a Pig', which described Monsanto's quest to patent specific pig genes that they have decoded. This gene is responsible for rapid growth of pigs and if patented, pig breeding would be completely controlled by this company, which would put may farmers out of business. Also, the film brings attention to the fact that Monsanto requires farmers to feed their livestock specific GMO feed developed by Monsanto, which has been linked to infertility problems among the livestock. The film that most specifically identified how corporations are a sustainability problem was 'The Spill', which describes how the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could have been prevented. The film provides evidence that efforts to upgrade operations and increase safety after previous BP accidents such as the Texas City BP oil refinery explosion, the Prudhoe Bay oil spill, and the toppling of the Thunderhorse oil platform, were not met due to expense cutting. This shows that this catastrophic environmental disaster was not caused by accident or mistake, but by the carelessness and greed of the BP corporation. In response to the spill, Tony Hayward who is the CEO of BP, was quoted stating that, “The Gulf of Mexico is a very big ocean, and the spill is very tiny in comparison”.
Essay 3
Design a film intended to educate a particular audience about a sustainability problem. Describe the audience you intend to reach, and its characteristics (biases, ignorance, expertise, etc); the aim of the film; its narrative structure and its content.
I would like to design a film that is intended to educate architecture students of their responsibilities as future designers, and to take into consideration both the short and long term impacts that architecture can have on the environment. The film would be shown to upper class architecture students, preferably students who already have a foundation in architectural design. At this stage in architectural education, students are more likely to understand the environmental impact of various design aspects in a project, such as choice of material, geographical and site considerations, as well as sustainable building systems. The aim of the film, would begin by broadening the viewer's understanding of the issue of sustainability as a whole, similar to the aims of this class. After many of the most pressing environmental issues are discussed, the film would transfer momentum towards the responsibilities that architects and designers have within the built environment, and how every decision made throughout the design and construction phase of a project, and long term environmental effects such as material degradation, utility waste and building system energy consumption. With these basic design aspects discussed, the film would then develop strategies for architects and designers to think sustainably first when beginning the design phase of a project. This would include listing types of materials that could be used for different aspects of the design, such as reclaimed wood for use on a facade detail, or more sustainable types of insulation and concrete. The film would then discuss more environmentally sustainable building systems that could be employed into a design, such as efficient HVAC systems, solar panels and shingles, wind turbines, and solar water heating. One key approach of the film would be to discuss these sustainable building solutions on a variety of scales, from high-rise buildings to single family homes, in an effort to reach all types architects and designers, so that they all will understand their role in the future of the built environment.
Essay 4
Describe how science can be a sustainability problem, referencing at least four examples from films you watched this semester.
Advancements in science and technology over the recent century have resulted in a variety of sustainability problems that effect different aspects of the environment. On the one hand, these advancements have created the ability do things that we have never been able to do before, for example within the agriculture industry, advancements in farming machinery and produce production have greatly increased the amount of food that is available world-wide. However, these advancements have also in some cases come at the cost of sanitary and health issues that are often overlooked. The film 'Food Inc.' documented how large meat corporations use new technology to increase the efficiency of slaughtering pigs, cows and chickens for consumption. This increased efficiency made it necessary to increase the amount of animals that are being slaughtered, therefore animal farming has become an important part of the industry, which often includes poor and unsanitary living conditions for livestock, bringing disease and infection into the food that is being consumed by people. Hormone advancements are also discussed in the film, which for example, allows chickens to grow larger breast meat. Genetically modified organisms are also an advancement in science that allows certain crops and animals to become resistant to pesticides or disease. While this may mean more profit for big businesses, GMO's have been linked to reproductive abnormalities in certain animals, as well as the fact that the long term effects of GMO's are not known. The film 'Patent for a Pig' also shows how the advancements in science can be controversial when it comes to the ability to patent genes. In this film, Monsanto attempts to patent a specific pig gene that their researchers have decoded, which is responsible for the rapid growth of pigs. Above the ethical issues surrounding this scientific advancement, Monsanto would have the ability to control the pig breeding industry, and potentially put smaller farmers out of business.
Essay 5
5) Discuss how Internet communication and other forms of new media are sustainability problems, as well as a means to sustainability solutions.
In the last decade, the advancement in communication technology has made a great leap into the everyday life of millions of people around the world. People who own the newest technology are able to call, text, or email anybody anything they want in the blink of an eye from just about any habitable place on the planet. We now live in the 'Age of Information', where any question can be answered by using some form of technology, whether it be a cellphone, a laptop, or an iPod. Many researchers believe that the next generation will be much smarter than the previous, being that they have an infinite amount of information available whenever it is needed. While there are many benefits of these technological advancements, it will eventually cause a shift in the social realm of how people communicate on a day to day basis. Some of this change has already been seen around the world with the introduction of email and video conferencing that is readily available today, and not possible just fifteen years ago. This change in communication will undoubtedly cause a negative shift in environmental awareness, since social interaction between people will continue to decrease. Texting has already taken the place of a phone call, which many years ago took the place of physical communication. Without significant social interaction, people will less likely make an effort to live more sustainable lives. However, people who use the internet and other forms of new media are often subjected to sustainable solutions, such as ways of recycling or information on relief efforts to help other countries develop sustainable practices. Therefore, the advances in communication may provide people with a better understanding of sustainable solutions, however it may also decrease social interaction an environmental awareness.
Essay 6
Identify 10 developments in education, law, media etc that would help mobilize greater public awareness of and commitment to environmental sustainability.
There have been various developments in these areas and many other fields that increase public awareness and commitment to environmental sustainability. Developments of particular pro-active groups such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented many laws involving environmental sustainability such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act. More specifically, the Law Officers Department (LOD) has a Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP) that plans to raise awareness of sustainable development issues. Some of their specific actions include minimizing waste by reducing and reusing, maximizing recycling opportunities, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring that buildings are refurbished and operated to improve their environmental performance. There have been significant developments in law made towards reaching the same goal, for example the Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development (FIELD) that works to implement Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) that have transformed how countries all over the world deal with environmental issues. Combining education and law elements, many law schools have created coursed that focus on research, education, and participation in efforts to build a strong legal environmental framework, such as the Sustainable Development Institute of the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. These programs will help to make lawyers capable of helping nations, regions and municipalities reach sustainable goals and principles. A related, technological advancements are smart phone applications like the LLM environmental application for environmental lawyers and activists! In fact, not just law schools, but many universities have created courses in this discipline like our Sustainability Problems course which help create awareness on this issue at a very influential age. There have even been proposals around the world encouraging early childhood education that focuses on sustainability in a constructive, positive and interesting way, like UNESCO's proposal in Paris. UNESCO had also implemented a plan that seeks to contribute to media awareness and understanding of sustainability as outlined by the Agenda 21 Plan of Action for all nations endorsed at the 1992 Earth Summit, for example. Another media element helping to increase public awareness is the Trends in Sustainability Project helps track world news and international media coverage of development and sustainability issues in order to possibly help improve how this information is being received to the public. Additionally, there are many online blogs that many people read online instead of reading the paper or even watching the news on television. An example of a trending topic is “Mass Media and Sustainable Development” in which people from all over the world give their opinions and engage in conversation about environmental degradation as a basis of poor communications, which is another example of how a technological advancement has be able to increase awareness about environmental sustainability.
Essay 7
Identify key characteristics of the best environmental media (recognizing that few films or other media are likely to have more than a few of these characteristics). Reference examples from films we’ve seen this semester.
One of the key characteristics of the best environmental media is making it clear to the viewer what they can do to help stop the problem highlighted in the film and how they can get involved. “Food Inc.” was a very compelling film that discussed the truth of the industrial food system in animal, so after the viewer was already moved by the strong content of the film, they were told they could help stop these corporations by buying their food from local farmers. They also emphasized cooking family meals at home and choosing healthier foods. This type of message helped the viewer understand that simple, easy choices can really make a difference. “The Fluoride Deception” also suggested a corrective action, but on a wider, legal scale. The film proposed that people need to come together and take legal action if necessary against the government because the fluoride that has been dumped in our water system has been linked to disease. Another key characteristic of the best environmental media is the amount of scientific facts and statistics that are used to support the main argument of each film or documentary instead of just using opinions. Because the viewers are presented with true facts, this helps them understand and sympathize with the particular viewpoint instead of being skeptical. An example of a film with many scientific facts was “Global Dimming” which was a documentary that exposed the truths of how pollution causes the global dimming phenomenon and how this problem is escalating the larger issue of global warming. Although not a documentary, the Hollywood produced film “Erin Brockovich” also provided an ample amount of scientific proof of the main argument of the film about how a local power plant's waste was linked to cancer and disease in the surrounding town.
Essay 8
Scientific research demonstrating a link between toxic chemicals and skewed sexual development has developed considerably in recent years. Describe how this could be effectively communicated. What audience would you target? What media form (film, website, radio show) you would use? What research studies would you highlight (see news coverage of some of this research below)? How would you represent the state of the science? What kind of environmental and scientific literacy would you aim to cultivate? What “go fix it” strategies would you suggest?
It is important to communicate the recent scientific evidence that toxic chemicals have been linked to skewed sexual development because it affects every single person that will be reproducing and contributing to the human race. Therefore, the target audience would have to be everyone mature enough to understand this research and its effects on future generations. The media form that would probably be most effective as public service announcements (PSAs) on television and on a wide variety of channels, so the message reaches every viewing audience. The research studies that I would highlight are from the Pittsburgh City Paper, Risk Assessment: Science has a hard time gauging the danger posed by carcinogen. I would use research information from this paper because it is posed in simple terms from peer reviewed journal sources that everyone, even those without a scientific background would understand. I would represent the state of the science like it is represented in the paper. There are clear links between “endocrine disruptors” and abnormal sexual characteristic developments in wild animals, and these factors are present in the form of Bisphenol A (BPA) for example, which is found in the urine of 90% of Americans. Therefore, although we may not see the immediate effects on the sexual development in humans due to ingestion of these chemicals, we need to be cautious. According to this article, “under federal law, a chemical must be proved harmful to humans before it can be regulated. And demonstrating danger in humans is difficult”. I would suggest that people take a stand against the agencies responsible for exposing them to these harmful chemicals, because if not, the human race may eventually be depleted if we eventually become totally unable to reproduce. If scientists performing this research can further validate their argument, then they should make it their prerogative to continuously educate the public.
Essay 9
Assess how each of these videos about problems with our food system would likely impact viewers. What message is delivered by each film? What does each accomplish, and not? Which audiences would be most responsive?
The film “Transport: Food miles” is applicable to consumers of all ages and focuses on the main idea that our food travels an average distance of 1,500 miles before it ends up on our plates. This is extremely unsustainable because we are relying on fossil fuels to transport the food, which is polluting the environment, and we are also putting money into the pockets of big corporations. The film strongly encourages people to buy their food locally and especially their meat from free-range farms. This way, we can support local farmers and therefore invest money back into our own communities, and eliminate animal cruelty. The Pig Picture focuses on the problem of the pig factory farming by comparing footage of breeding and behavior of pigs inside of these factories and in nature. The factories lock up impregnated sows in extremely small, filthy cages and their behavior significantly changed as they become inactive, unresponsive, and show repetitive patterns of movement. When the newborn pigs are born, they have limited contact with the mother and are shortly put in cages to be grown and eventually used for reproduction. The film describes how antibiotics are feed to the animals so they are able to survive in these conditions, however this process causes antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria and produces drug residues in the meat. The effects of the surrounding areas were also discussed. For example, since the pig manure is poorly regulated, chemical runoff produces nitrogen in the water supply. The film ended with a message encouraging the public to reduce the demand for pigs to reduce suffering of animals and destruction of the environment by factories. The content presented may be most appealing to more mature audiences. The last clip, The Meatrix was a short, animated clip that emphasized that the pig farm was just a fantasy and that pigs, milk, and meat really comes from factories. It explains that agriculture corporations modified farming to maximize profits and it listed the major problems of factory farming, animal cruelty and massive pollution. The clip ended with a warning that the public should not support these factories and website link was provided in case the viewer was interested on how to get involved. Although the clip may have not talked about sustainability problems, it may be an effective way to get a younger audience involved in the stance against factory farming.
Essay 10
Write a 400-word biosketch that describes where you will be and what you will have accomplished twenty years from now. The biosketch should be narrative rather than resume style. Include basic biographical and educational information, the expertise you have built and have become known for, and a brief description of important projects you have been a part of over this period of time.
Andrew Pennacchia, R.A. is a registered Architect for the State of New York. After completing his bachelor of architecture degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May of 2013, he worked as an architectural intern in a number of various successful architecture firms in Manhattan. After gaining the necessary three years of experience, Andrew studied and passed the New York Architecture Registration Board, and became a licensed architect, which is something that he had worked very hard to achieve. After becoming licensed, Andrew remained working in Manhattan for five more years, before he set out on his own and opened a small design firm on the east end of Long Island. At this firm, Andrew specialized in high-end residential housing. His work has become well known in the north east, as his practice is one of the first to offer clients a complete sustainable solution for living. Andrew specializes in variations of 'off the grid' homes, and is able to meet the living standards and desires of his clients. Andrew believes that he has the ability to make a change in the built environment by designing homes that have a small carbon footprint, are able to produce their own energy, and also manage waste in an environmentally friendly way. His firm also provides monetary assistance in the form of loans for clients who are unable to afford the high initial cost of self sufficient building systems. For his work, he has won several design awards over the past decade, ranging from local to national acknowledgments. Andrew also developed a way to help educate the next generation of architects by creating a student based design competition. The competition is offered for students in architecture schools around the world, and is aimed at helping students develop a solid knowledge base of sustainable design, including new and cutting edge building materials, and how to use these materials to enhance the future of architecture for the preservation of the environment.